Incredible things are possible when we work together.

What difference is my support making? Who is it helping?

This is a fair question for any of our supporters to ask. In this section, we will share our stories with you while maintaining complete confidentiality. We will keep you updated on the activities in our various programs, including success stories of those whom we have helped, special events in which our programs participate, and any commendations that our staff receives.

Meet Kimberly Backey, Director of Family Preservation Services

Child & Family Services is delighted to announce the hiring of Kimberly Backey as our Director of Family Preservation Services. Starting earlier this year, Kim has already made her mark on C&FS leading Foster Care and Adoption, Preventive Services, Wraparound Services, and Health Home Services. We asked Kim a few questions to help our supporters…
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Liz Kasimu Named NYS Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Liz Kasimu, who recently received the NYS Coalition for Children's Behavioral Health Employee of the Year Award! The following speech about Liz was written by C&FS's Chief Operating Officer, Linda McCartan. It is my sincere honor to introduce you to Liz!  Starting with C&FS a year ago, she has made a tremendous impact.  Liz…
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Mental Health Matters for the Holidays – Upcoming Webinar

Mental Health Matters for the Holidays WebinarMonday, December 14 at 12:00-12:30pm Click here to register for the webinar. You will receive a Zoom link upon completion of registration. If you cannot attend, sign up and we will send you the link afterwards. Join us for a discussion about this very different holiday season.  If the…
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Common Questions About Foster-to-Adopt

November is National Adoption Month. Our Foster Care and Adoption Program is still operating during the pandemic, so it is possible to open your home to a child in need! What does it mean to foster-to-adopt? The process begins when a child is placed in the home of foster parents. The ultimate goal throughout fostering…
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Meet Chantele Thompson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Child & Family Services is thrilled to welcome Chantele Thompson to our team!  As Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Chantele will be responsible for recognizing, creating, and implementing plans to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within our agency. She will also be promoting and developing training programs to enhance employee understanding on diversity, equity,…
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A Letter for National Adoption Month

Nicholas Largo, Program Manager of Foster Care and Adoption, reflects on overcoming barriers to adopt during the pandemic. November is National Adoption Month. It is a month when we recognize the need for forever homes for children in foster care, a month when we take time to thank and celebrate all of our adoptive families who…
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Halloween Tricks and Treats Come to Children at Residential

The costumes. The candy. The games. Staying up late. For children, there are few days throughout the year more exciting than Halloween. As we all know, though, this year’s Halloween feels different due to the pandemic. Trying to keep the season’s fun alive for the kids, our Residential team has been hosting “Spooktacular” events. “Our…
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Shine the Light Marks the Start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On October 1, Child & Family Services commemorated the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at its annual Shine the Light press conference. With the pandemic continuing to affect each of us, this year has seen a great amount of uncertainty. While it is always difficult for a domestic violence survivor to escape abuse, the…
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What to Do if Someone You Know Experiences Domestic Violence

Earlier today, Sara Grady, Director of Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Services at Haven House, gave the first presentation of the Haven House Domestic Violence Awareness Month Speakers Series. In her webinar, “Shining a Light on Domestic Violence,” Sara described that domestic violence makes an impact on each of us. She explained, “One in four…
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Residential Team Goes Above and Beyond for Remote Learning

Just like many other children in Western New York, the kids at Child & Family Services’ Residential Treatment recently started their school year with remote learning. “The entire [Residential] team has really come together during this trying time,” said Dana Szalay, Director of Residential Treatment. “We’re a treatment program focused on trauma, building coping skills,…
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Officially a Rooney After a Long Wait

“Hi, I’m Reni Rooney! I was adopted!” Having been with Terri and Brendan Rooney since she was three months old, Reni knew that she was a part of their family. Now four years old, Reni would sometimes ask why her last name was not the same as theirs. Since her adoption on September 9, though,…
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A Skype Adoption has Unexpected Benefit

It was not how they always pictured it, but that did not matter to Emily and John Murphy as they adopted 3-year-old T.J. on September 2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the adoption itself was delayed by several months and had to take place over Skype, an online teleconference service. Though an out-of-the-ordinary experience, the…
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